How Mentorship Can Guide Lives and Optimizing Mentorship Experiences 

The lives of refugees, refugee claimants, and forcibly displaced persons are often filled with uncertainties and despair as they attempt to start afresh in Canada. Underneath these burdening sentiments and behind tiring eyes lie subtle yet powerful hopes for success.  

Jumpstart Refugee Talent’s Welcome Talent Canada is a nationwide mentorship program that serves as a prominent igniter and preserver of such hopes. By ensuring that mentees and mentors are carefully paired in terms of their professional fields, it is an opportunity for refugees to take a step towards career readiness. Mentees, specifically, refer to experienced, educated, and English-proficient refugees who participate in the program, seeking career-specific support and guidance from Canadian professionals. Conversely, Canadian professionals take on the roles of mentors who are responsible for providing meaningful advice and insights about Canada’s job market.  

However, experiences stemming from this program are not single-faceted, as they serve to guide the lives of both mentees and mentors. One may question, what does this guidance and support look like? Well, before answering, let us first settle some common misconceptions of mentorship. 

Common misconceptions of mentorship 

“Mentees are young novices while mentors are mature experts” 

Mentorship experiences are sometimes viewed as resources designed for young and inexperienced mentees. Mentors, on the other hand, can be viewed as individuals who have “seen it all.” However, this is not true. Mentees often come with a great deal of experience and a unique set of skills that may not be appropriately recognized in the Canadian context. Mentors have also not “seen it all” because learning and curiosity truly have no bounds; they are timeless and additive. Ultimately, mentorship experiences can be valuable growth opportunities for both mentees and mentors, regardless of their age or skill set.  

“Mentorship is only beneficial for mentees” 

As suggested earlier, mentorship experiences are multifaceted. Both mentors and mentees have opportunities to gain experience from each other, discuss potential challenges in Canadian workforces, build perspective, and enhance visibility. This means that mentorship experiences foster the development of professional yet genuine connections. Mentors and mentees can also share their subsequent learning and experience with other members of society, like their friends and colleagues, to awaken passion in their lives. 

“Mentorship will not lead to employment” 

Job-seeking can be incredibly important for refugees, given fears of financial instability and a lack of potential for mobility. Mentorship can undoubtedly assist mentees in their job-seeking journeys, but one must recognize that mentorship also offers unique, wide-ranging benefits that are sometimes difficult to gain in formal environments. Mentorship opens pathways for mentees to improve their practical and emotional abilities, like maintaining confidence and resilience, which can sometimes be overwhelming to reflect upon, let alone act upon, in traditional work environments.  

A Snapshot into the Nature of Guidance and Support 

Mentees 

• Confidence and self-awareness 

• Mentors can provide motivation and allow mentees to reflect on their broader goals in life and ways to embark on them by sharing insights into their own journeys. 

• Expanding knowledge of skills and informed choices 

• Mentors can provide specific and general knowledge on the nature of Canadian industries and work cultures that often center on network building, along with ways to overcome challenges. They can also help strengthen relevant skills, such as collaboration, communication, initiative, and critical thinking. 

Mentors 

• Build perspective and enhance knowledge 

• Mentors can bring new ideas to the table of mentors, especially if they have unique backgrounds. This becomes a learning opportunity for mentors to look beyond their usual mentalities and scope of expertise. 

• Gain leadership skills 

• Supporting mentees in their career journeys allows mentors to show commitment to their own interests, becoming sources of inspiration. 

Making the Most out of Mentorship Experiences 

As a Mentee:

• Exhibit proactiveness, initiative and integrity by setting clear, flexible goals and reaching out when comfortable. 

• Be open to receiving feedback and take pride in yourself as you are attempting to broaden your horizons.

As a Mentor:

• Build trust and rapport with mentees to appreciate their time and willingness to grow, in consideration of their circumstances and distinct backgrounds.  

• Be a good listener and provide respectful, constructive feedback. 

Final Thoughts

It is important to recognize that developing meaningful engagement and relationships through mentorship experiences can have long-lasting impacts on the lives of mentors and mentees. However, there must be a willingness on both sides to evolve and understand each other’s strengths and challenges.  

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for Jumpstart Refugee Talent, please apply here, or if you are interested in becoming a mentee, please apply here. For further inquiries and concerns, feel free to connect with our team or refer to the Jumpstart Refugee Talent: Welcome Talent Canada Mentorship Guidebook.